Five men from the North East have been fined almost £3,500 after pleading guilty to hare coursing.

The men all admitted offences of trespassing on land with the intent to search or pursue hares and being equipped to search or pursue hares.

Hare coursing, where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares, was made illegal under the Hunting Act in 2004.

The offences relate to an incident in North Frodingham, near Hull, in November 2022.

Following their conviction at Beverley Magistrates Court on Monday, three of the men were banned from owning or keeping sighthounds for 12 months.

PC Rich Fussey from Humberside Police said: “I hope this outcome sends a message to those who wish to conduct hare coursing activity that Humberside is a no-go area and that the Rural Task Force seek to take robust action to deter and prosecute those committing these types of offences.

“I would once again like to thank the members of the public, local landowners and the local farmwatch for supporting this prosecution and assisting so greatly in bringing these offenders to justice.”

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Craig York, 46 of Gurney Valley, Bishop Auckland, was ordered to pay £1,032 in fines and costs.

James McMeekin, 23, of Buckingham Terrace, Bishop Auckland, was ordered to pay £754, while Michael McMeekin, 30, of Northside, Birtley, was ordered to pay £1,032.

Stephen Thomson, 33, of Eldon Lane, Bishop Auckland, was fined a total of £365, with Jack Burton, 32, of Central Grange, St Helen Auckland also fined £271.

PC Fussey said: “Under new legislation, this is the first disqualification order of its kind, meaning Craig York, James McMeekin and Michael McMeekin are unable to own, keep or participate in keeping sighthounds for 12 months.

 “I am really pleased with the outcome at court as we have continued in our targeted activity to disrupt and combat hare coursing in our communities."